Yamamoto Shunkyo—the 150th Anniversary of his birth is an exhibition jointly planned by the Shiga Museum of Art, the Kasaoka, and The Suiboku Museum, Toyama, with assistance from the Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities.
Yamamoto Shunkyo (1872–1933) was born near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, today the city of Otsu. He was born on January fourth in the fourth year of the Meiji era, and he remained an influential painter active through to the Showa era. His name is often mentioned together with Takeuchi Seiho (1864–1942), a leading figure in the Kyoto circle of modern painters, eight years Shunkyo’s senior. Together, they occupy a venerated place in the history of Japanese painting.
Shunkyo apprenticed with Nomura Bunkyo (1854–1911) and Mori Kansai (1814–1894) in Kyoto, and displayed great talent while still in his teens. He made a name for himself at a young age, showing at exhibitions and expositions in Japan and abroad. Year after year he showed new paintings for the Bunten, an annual Fine Arts Exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education, and the Teiten, the Imperial Academy of Fine Art Exhibition. In 1917 (Taisho 6), Shunkyo was specially selected to be an Artist to the Imperial Household, a privileged designation given to only the most noteworthy painters, sculptors, and craftspeople of the time. This honor solidified his position in the art world.
For the enthronement of the Showa emperor in 1928 (Showa 3), Shunkyo painted a pair of folding screens for Poetry and Genre Scenes from Yuki and Suki Provinces for Daijosai (not on exhibit). As was the custom, two artists were selected—one from the east of Japan, one from the west—to produce sister works. The artist selected from the east (Yuki) was Kawai Gyokudo (1873–1957), while Shunkyo was the artist selected to depict a scene from the west (Suki). More Great things were expected of Shunkyo in his later years, but he fell ill suddenly just five years hence and passed away in 1933 (Showa 8) at sixty-one years of age.
Shunkyo excelled at creating majestic, photorealistic landscapes in vivid colors, many of which were mountainscapes and scenes with water. His unique style borrowed from oil painting techniques and photography, while upholding the traditions of the Maruyama-Shijo school. His works broke new ground in the art world led by the Kyoto circle of modern painters.
For this exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of Shunkyo’s birth, the artist’s greatest masterpieces and most sublime works were gathered to honor his lifetime achievement as a painter. Also on display are sketches he drew at locations that he always made a point of seeing with his own eyes. The illustrations complement the paintings and offer a different glimpse into his appreciable talent.
Lastly, the organizers wish to thank everyone who made this exhibition possible—the Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities for its assistance, the Yamamoto family and Kion-ji Roka Sensuiso for their cooperation, and the art museums and collectors who lent us these valuable works of art.